Tuesday, April 12, 2016

At a press conference, Rep. Ken Clark, D-Phoenix
(District 24), introduced a plan for reforming the elections process in
Arizona. The recent Presidential Preference Election saw a 70 percent decrease
in the number of polling centers compared to the previous election, which
forced thousands of voters in Maricopa County to wait hours in long lines
before casting their ballots. The difficulties those voters experienced
demonstrate that common-sense but significant changes to the elections process are
necessary. To ensure that all Arizona voters have the opportunity to
participate in their state’s future elections, Rep. Clark proposed the
following five policy changes:

1.) Amend state statute so that, like other counties,
Maricopa County must have one polling place for no more than ever 2,000 voters.

Currently, Arizona law allows a county with over 200,000 active registered
voters to have no more than one-half of the number of precincts as of January
1st of a presidential election years. A.R.S. § 16-248(C). Counties with a
lower number of active registered voters are required to have no more than one
polling place for every 2,000 active registered voters. Larger counties should
have to meet the same standards for polling places as are smaller counties so
that every voter, regardless of county residence, should have the same ability
to access the polls as any other voter in the state.2.) Allow registered Independent voters to vote in the
Presidential Preference Election in future years.

State law limits voter
participation in the Presidential Preference Election to voters who have a
political party preference indicated on their voter registration record, which
excludes independents and voters who chose not to designate a political party
preference. We can reverse that policy very easily and open the Presidential
Preference Election to all registered voters in Arizona.3.) The legislature should fully fund a sufficient number of
polling locations to meet the demand, as well as providing funding for
elections officials to educate the public about important voting regulations,
such as the deadlines to register to vote, polling places locations, and
information about ID requirements for in-person voting, including in our high
schools so that young people will be informed and excited about participating
in our democracy.

The Arizona Legislature knew that it did not provide
sufficient funding for this year’s Presidential Preference Election, but legislation
to fix that funding shortfall stalled in the Senate and that left counties scrambling
the cover the costs.4.) Create a five-member panel of retired judges to review
state election law changes and elections administration plans against the
Voting Rights Act and advise and recommend action in cases where changes might
violate the Act and infringe on voters’ rights.

This panel could be appointed by
both Republican and Democratic lawmakers, to include at least one registered
independent. Like many boards and commissions, this panel would have limited
staff and a limited scope of authority. It would not have enforcement or law-making
capabilities, but it could investigate, report and recommend.5.) Allow automatic voter registration when residents obtain
or update their drivers’ licenses at the Department of Motor Vehicles.